Fall in Central New York is really something special. The leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, the air gets crisp, and weekends suddenly feel made for wearing cozy sweaters, sipping hot beverages (and munching on apple cider donuts!), and of course, going on memory-making adventures. For families, it’s the perfect season to get outside, enjoy local traditions, and discover new favorites together.
To celebrate the turning of the seasons, we’ve put together a fall bucket list of must-do activities between September and November to help your family make the most of autumn in CNY.
Outdoor Adventures & Nature Walks
Nothing says fall like crunching leaves under your feet while taking in brilliant foliage. Central New York offers endless opportunities to soak it all in:
- Green Lakes State Park and Beaver Lake Nature Center provide easy, stroller-friendly trails and gorgeous views.
- Head to Highland Forest for a more rustic experience, where the trails weave through canopies of golden trees.
- Want to cover more ground? Take a scenic drive through the Finger Lakes Wine Country region, stopping at family-friendly overlooks for photos and picnics.
- Take a day trip (or make it a weekend!) to Old Forge for hiking, leaf peeping, and exploring the charming Main Street.
Of course, fall also means it’s time to pick your own apples & pumpkins! Plan a weekend visit to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards or Critz Farms, where apple picking, pumpkin patches, and hayrides make for a full day of fun. Don’t forget to snap a family photo in the pumpkin patch!
2025 Fall Festivals & Community Events
Festivals are where local flavor comes alive in the fall. Some not-to-miss events include:
Syracuse Oktoberfest
When: September 13 & 14, 2025 (Saturday 12 pm–10 pm; Sunday 12 pm–7 pm)
Where: Freight Yard Brewing, 4975 NY-31, Clay, NY
This family-friendly festival mixes music and dancing with German eats like pretzels and potato pancakes. Kids can enjoy face painting and balloon art — plus, parents can embrace the festive biergarten vibes while keeping the little ones entertained.
Central Square Apple Festival
When: September 27 & 28, 2025 (Saturday 9 am–6 pm; Sunday 9 am–4 pm)
Where: Brewerton Speedway, 154 US-11, Central Square, NY
Cheerful and community-centered, this locally loved fest features crafts, food, rides, entertainment, and more. Admission is $5 per car, with the option to bring a non-perishable donation for a reduced rate — all proceeds go back to local causes.
Ontario Orchards Fall Jamboree
When: September 20 & 21, 2025 (11 am–5 pm both days)
Where: 15385 Farden Rd, Sterling, NY
Hosted by Ontario Orchards, this jamboree offers free admission and parking, plus a wide array of family fun: apple- and pumpkin-picking, pony and wagon rides, bouncy houses, crafts, live music, a corn maze, and even exotic animal demos from G & G Animals.
CNY Pumpkin Fest
When: October 4 & 5, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday 11 am–5 pm)
Where: Washington Square Park, 25 E Oneida St, Oswego, NY
Get close to the water and into the spirit of fall with this picturesque festival. From giant pumpkin displays to bounce houses, scarecrow-building, live music, games, and food vendors — this fest makes for a beautifully scenic and activity-packed family outing.
LaFayette Apple Festival
When: October 11 & 12, 2025 (Saturday 9 am–6 pm; Sunday 9 am–5 pm)
Where: Apple Valley Park, 2444 Tully Farms Rd, LaFayette, NY
A long-standing Central New York favorite, this festival celebrates apple season with everything from apple pancake breakfasts to crafts, pony rides, live music, and savory treats. A great mix of tradition, family fun, and small-town charm.
🐾 Zoo Boo
When: October 18–19 & 25–26, 2025 (Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–3 pm)
Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY
Your little ones can trick-or-treat with the animals in this “kooky-not-spooky” daytime Halloween celebration. Expect costumed fun, keeper chats, games, photo ops, and maybe a spooky stroll through the wildlife trail. Note: admission is included with zoo entry—and free for members.
If your kids love Halloween, be sure to check out family-friendly Halloween walks (like the one at Will’s Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm), corn mazes, and themed hayrides. (Pro tip: go before dark if little ones are easily spooked!) You can continue to stay in-the-know about more upcoming festivals and events in CNY by subscribing to our weekly events newsletter.
Fall Flavors to Savor
Fall in Central New York wouldn’t be complete without apple cider and warm donuts. Local favorites include:
- Tim’s Pumpkin Patch is a family favorite for fresh apple cider donuts, fried dough, pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, and pumpkin picking.
- Fly Creek Cider Mill, near Cooperstown, is a bit of a drive but worth it for the cider, fudge, and family-friendly setting.
- Burrville Cider Mill is one of the oldest cider mills in New York where you can sample fresh apple cider and donuts, explore the country store, and snap a photo of the nearby waterfall!
You can also enjoy the flavors of fall at home: make caramel apples, bake pumpkin bread, or let the kids help with a simple batch of roasted pumpkin seeds after carving jack-o’-lanterns.
Sports & Seasonal Fun
Autumn is game season — and whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the atmosphere, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it as a family.
- Syracuse University football games make for an exciting outing (and kids will love the energy of the Dome).
- For something even closer to home, local high school football games or soccer games are inexpensive and offer a fun way to support your community.
Indoor Fun for Rainy Days
Not every fall weekend is sunny — but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Keep these family-friendly ideas on your list:
- MOST (Museum of Science & Technology) in Syracuse is a hit for hands-on learning and play.
- The Children’s Museum of Oswego is another favorite for interactive fun.
- Local libraries often host fall craft days and storytimes, which make for cozy afternoons.
- Catch a family matinee at a local theater for a break from the chilly weather. The Syracuse Stage season is in full swing, and offers something for everyone!
Kick-Off the Holidays in November
As the season winds down, get into the holiday spirit with events that bridge fall and winter:
- Join a local Turkey Trot or family fun run before indulging in Thanksgiving dinner.
- Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park begins on November 17th and is the perfect way to launch into holiday mode.
- Teach kids about gratitude by volunteering as a family at a local food pantry or donation drive.
Wrap Up Your Bucket List
Fall is fleeting — but it’s also one of the most magical seasons to experience in Central New York. Whether you’re hiking under the vibrant fall foliage, cheering on the Syracuse Orange, sipping cider, or wandering through a corn maze, these activities create family memories that will last long after the leaves have fallen.
So grab your calendar, make your bucket list, and check off as many items as you can before winter arrives. Looking for more local, family friendly events? Check out our CNY events calendar to find activities near you!
Don’t forget to share your favorite fall family traditions with us! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram @familytimescny or use #CNYFallFamilyFun to tell us how you celebrate the season in CNY.
